The Protestant Revolution: From Martin Luther to Martin Luther King Jr.

Description

A fascinating history of the Reformation and its continuing impact on the modern world When Martin Luther nailed 95 criticisms of the Catholic Church to the door of his local church in 1517 he sparked not just a religious Reformation, but an unending cycle of political, social and economic change that continues to this day. By challenging the authority of the Pope, Luther inadvertently unleashed a revolutionary force- the power of the individual to determine his or her own thoughts and actions. Over four centuries later, the Protestant minister Martin Luther King Jr was acting on the same revolutionary principle when he rejected racial discrimination and spearheaded the US Civil Rights Movement. The legacy of the Reformation is all around us, influencing our work life, our family life, even our sex life, as well as our political views and sense of national identity. From literature to science, from gay marriage to the 'War on Terror', a vibrant struggle for Protestant principles is alive in Britain, America and the developing world. This is the story of the Reformation and its lasting legacy - in effect, how Protestantism created the modern world.

William Naphy is Senior Lecturer and Director of Teaching and Learning in the School of Divinity, History & Philosophy at the University of Aberdeen. He is the author of several books, including Born to be Gay- a History of Homosexuality; Sex Crimes- From Renaissance to Enlightenment; and Plagues, Poisons and Potions. He lives in Aberdeen. Tristram Hunt is a lecturer in modern British history at Queen Mary, University of London. He is the author of The English Civil War- At First Hand and the critically acclaimed Building Jerusalem- The Rise and Fall of the Victorian City. A leading British history broadcaster, he has authored numerous radio and television series for the BBC and Channel 4.

This is a scholarly, readable and intensely interesting history of the role and influence of the ideas associated with Protestantism. It explains its origins, development and political strength at a time when religion is growing in power and influence, some good and some dangerous. -- Tony Benn Like a skilled general who marshals his forces towards a single objective ... William Naphy has brought his sweeping command of church history towards a controversial conclusion: he claims that Protestantism ... has never been a Church in the traditional understanding of that term, but it has, nevertheless, released a positive energy for change that has had, and continues to have, a profound and dynamic effect on the human community. -- Bishop Richard Holloway Another intelligent and measured offering ... Compelling * Family History Monthly *